Daniel Triana has been part of the Sonic Warriors project since the beginning in 2007. Before starting his solo music in 1986, Daniel was founding member of the Gothic / Alternative bands Bellas Artes and Der Tag. Here is a little insight in his work and music career.

How did you get into music?

I first started playing drums as a small kid, playing around the house while listening to music. I would use pencils and pens as drum sticks and old shoe boxes or old oatmeal boxes (which were round) as the drums. I even tried building complete drum sets with these boxes. Eventually my grandmother purchased a toy drum set for me for my birthday, and as the years went on, the drums got bigger and better. I eventually started a band with my brother and schoolmates and I never stopped since. The keyboards came in as instruments from other band members were left around our house. I used to try and pick up other instruments and from there came the desire to write all the parts to a song, not just the drums.

How would you describe your music style?

I would describe my music as alternative electronic.

When did you start DJing?

I started DJing at family parties and also for a local community organization which was looking for DJs as entertainment for an outdoor summer program they were hosting. Also, local clubs and restaurants started to approach me as a DJ once they knew I was active in DJ scene. I started putting together warehouse parties in various spaces with fellow DJs as a way keeping myself active as well.

You are also producing songs and also did a lot of remixes. From what do you get your ideas for new songs?

I’ve been writing songs before the start of the laptop DAW age (digital audio workstation.) I used to try writing songs using tape recorders and bouncing the recordings on other sound systems to create the effect of a multi-track recorder. I would record myself playing drums alone for the length of a whole song. Then go back and play the tape while also recording on another tape recorder. While the second tape was recording, I would try to play the bass, and etc., etc. for the guitar, keyboards and vocals. The band I was in eventually put together money to buy a 4-track tape recorder. That was heaven for me. The age of the cassette tape 4-track recorder felt like the dawn of a new revolution.

The ideas from new tracks just come to me. I don’t have a real way of explaining the inspiration. I usually go days or weeks with not writing anything and suddenly I get caught in a week’s worth of song writing. It comes and goes, but then comes back again. Usually the introduction of a new instrument can start a new cycle of song writing for me.

How do you start with a new song, do you have something like a ritual?

My ideas for new tracks just come to me as I sit down with an instrument in front of me. Sometimes I just fool around with new sounds on a keyboard which inspire melodies or beats. I keep working the beats and melodies until it sounds like something I would like to record. I have books of lyrics I used every once in a while to add words/vocals. But for the most part, my music is usually instrumental.

How many songs have you already published?

I have over 150 songs published. All are available on my Youtube channel and on iTunes. I have a few unpublished tracks but for most part, I’ve made a very active point of trying to publish my releases as much as I can.

Right now I am exploring the possibility of working in soundtracks by sending my music out to music publishers. I can only hope that something comes out of that. Besides that, I still love recording and releasing singles, EPs and albums. It’s just a great feeling of accomplishment seeing my songs published for all eternity. I can only hope that someone finds and listens to my music in the year 3535.

Which artists had a lasting influence on you and still affect you?

I have to say I have a lot of influences but the first that come to mind are Depeche Mode, Front 242, New Order/Joy Division, Bauhaus, Skinny Puppy, Brian Eno and Phillip Glass.

Which kind of music are you listening in private?

I listen to just about everything; I enjoy jazz, classical music, modern opera, classic rock, indie rock, ambient and Latin. I even listen to abstract pieces like experimental noise if the mood catches me.

Are there any projects you are currently working on?

I am just working on continuing to build my catalog of original music. It’s very satisfying to see my list of original songs grow (150 plus). It’s my own personal legacy. When I'm gone, they will remain.

What is important to you in life?

What is most important in life for me is family, friends, my health and the ability to appreciate beauty and art. I love traveling which ties into appreciating the beauty of this world we all live in and share. I love listening and creating music because it ties into that appreciation as well.

established in 2003. This project probes the plethora of underground musical styles.

For this night SWU is calling all Berlin Sonic Seekers, to come early
and stay late for a night powered by underground electronic dance music
classics / future classics in perfect symbiosis and to, expect the
unexpected!

18 different sound artists, on two continents, 3 countries, and 8 U.S. states SIMULTANEOUSLY performing. Featuring: Kim Cascone [Anechoicmedia], Evan Michelson [Obscura NYC], Mark Spybey [Dead Voices On Air], Keiko Uenishi [Share NYC] and Negativeland with 13 other sound/media artists that will remain classified until the Stage 2 event on May 3rd, which will also feature a special video set from Videopunks, a live dj set FROM GERMANY TO BROOKLYN by Dj Denard Henry and more surprises.

[the experiment]

(stage 1) This is a performance laboratory where the audience of 13 people will meet at a gather point, then be taken to a secret location in NYC to experience, while wearing blackout glasses, 45 minutes of sonic stimuli generated by 18 sound artists on two continents, 4 countries, and 8 U.S. states.

(stage 2) The following week they will attend a premier screening event to see a multi-camera production of the previous week's performance, eat tons of good food, excellent drinks [with or without alcohol], an artist meet & greet [featuring special live video set from Videopunks and a dj set LIVE & DIRECT FROM GERMANY TO BROOKLYN by DJ Denard Henry].

About Us

We are a collective of artists and DJs that provide a unique style of underground Techno, Electro, EBM, Rhythmic Industrial, Old School and New School to a new generation of sonic seekers. We fight against narrow thinking, intolerance and ignorance.